obama is demanded by congress and george w. bush's tax cuts for the top 2% of income earners households earning more than two and $50,000 a year, that those are extended. the middle class defined as households earning under that amount would be spared, continuing to enjoy the lower rates ushered through congress by mr. bush -- >> "washington journal" airs live every morning at seven eastern on c-span. senators are coming by again after their weekly party lunches, and are expected to debate defense and public policy programs. a senator: mr. president? the presiding officer: the senator from new york. mr. schumer: i ask unanimous consent the quorum be dispensed with. the presiding officer: without objection, so ordered. mr. schumer: mr. president, i rise to discuss the state of the ongoing negotiations to avert the fiscal cliff. so far, there's been little progress reported at the negotiating table. since the president's very productive meeting with the bipartisan leaders from the house and senate on november 16, the subsequent s